How to Grow Grass in the Spring

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How to Grow Grass in the Spring

Overview

Spring is often the first time of the year for many people to do yard work. As the temperatures start to warm up and the frost melts from the ground, plants start to come alive from their dormant periods. While the spring offers a prime opportunity for growing, it can also be a time that presents some unique challenges in terms of weather. It is also the best time to take care of issues such as fertilization. If encouraged properly, growing grass in the spring can result in a healthy-looking lawn throughout the rest of the year.

Step 1

Wait until there is no chance of frost, especially if planting warm season grasses. Even cool-season grass in the spring could be harmed with frost, especially if it has not had a chance to establish itself. However, grass that prefers warm season could be damaged even more by freezing temperatures.

Step 2

Start with a fertilizer application, whether your lawn is already established or whether you are beginning from scratch. Spring is an ideal fertilizer time, as the lawn has used up a great deal of nutrients over the winter season and may need an infusion of organic material and nutrients in order to recover properly.

Step 3

Choose a grass seed or sod that grows well in your area. Grasses are often categorized by zone, with cool season, warm season and transitional zone grasses being the major classifications. If you buy the grass locally, it will likely be a type that grows well in your area, but beware of buying grass on the Internet because it may not be suitable for your zone.

Step 4

Add grass seed or new sod in areas of the lawn that are bare using a mechanical spreader. Generally, you will likely want to seed at a rate of 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet, though quantities may vary. Check the directions for your particular grass type to be as accurate as possible.

Step 5

Water as needed. In the spring, many locations may receive enough rain where supplemental water is not needed. Check the soil. If it is dry to the touch, you will likely need to add water. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Tips and Warnings

Do not wait too long into the spring to plant, or your grass may be competing with crabgrass and other invasive species.

Things You'll Need

Grass

Fertilizer

Spreader

Water

References

Plant Care: Sowing Lawn Grass Seed

Garden Counselor Lawn Care: Watering New Grass Seed

All About Lawns: Cool Season Grasses

Who Can Help

My Home Ideas: Grass Seed Calculator

American Lawns: Types of Grass

Keywords:
grass in the spring, cool season grass, warm season grass

About this Author

Ken Black is a freelance writer and a staff writer for The Times Republican in Central Iowa. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including business, politics, family life and travel.